Itinerary

Day 1: 23 September 2003
Depart London (hurrah!). Fly to Lima from Heathrow, to arrive early the next morning.

Day 2: 24 September 2003
Breakfast at hotel and then day tour of Lima, returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3: 25 September 2003
Early transfer for flight to Cusco and transfer to Ollanta in the Sacred Valley at an altitude of 2,700m to acclimatise. Settle in to the camp and take a short walk to local Inca ruins. Overnight at camp.

Day 4: 26 September 2003
Early wake up to visit the Inca salt mines of Maras. On to the site of Moray, an agricultural experimental site of the Incas designed to identify perfect temperatures for certain crops. Start the trek with 7 hours' walking to the village of Ollantaytambo, camp overnight.

Day 5: 27 September 2003
Morning walk to the impressive ruins of the village that was the only Inca fort never to be captured by the Spanish. Trek to Chillca.

Day 6: 28 September 2003
A shorter trek of 3 hours to walk to the next camp of Qente in time for lunch. Short walk to visit Qente Marca before returning to camp for dinner.

Day 7: 29 September 2003
Full day hike to Paucarcanha, visiting the Kausichaca ruins on the way. Lunch in Paucarcancha and return to Qente camp.

Day 8: 30 September 2003
Morning train from km 88 (Qente) to km 104, crossing the hanging bridge at km 104, hike to Chachabamba site. After a brief visit we begin a 4 hour ascent to the ruins of Winay Wayna, an important spiritual site. Finally we reach the door of the sun (Intipunku) where the trail winds downhill. Overnight in hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 9: 1 October 2003
Spend the morning at Machu Picchu and then catch the first train to return to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel for a gala evening.

Day 10: 2 October 2003
Free day in Cusco.

Day 11: 3 October 2003
Early transfer to the airport for return flight home. Arrive London around lunchtime the next day.

Day 12: 4 October 2003
Arrive in London around lunchtime.